I has such plans for my most favorite month of the year. I was ready to accept the “Gratitude Challenge.” I was going to post a super cute project and reflect on all the good things in my life. I was going to make time for me. I had a birthday coming up and of course my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. I had all sorts of plans. Problem is November had a different plan for me. Moments that would fill me with “Unplanned gratitude.”
#1. Air Bags- Savana was in a car accident. Definitely up there as one of the scariest moments in my “mommyhood” thus far. She was on her way to school and she looked down for a second as she was looking for her phone. 2 seconds later her car was on the curb and she had hit a fire hydrant. No, she wasn’t texting. Ironically, her phone was at home. The air bags were deployed. I was never so grateful in my entire life for air bags.
She spent a good 4 days at home recovering. The whole time I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stand not being next to her for a second. Even when I had to go get her ice pack or medicine. I was so anxious. Then I remembered that I have a merciful caring Heavenly Father who loves her more than I do. Who loves me, more than I could ever imagine. He separated from his child too. He knew my pain. He would bring me through. He didn’t say it wouldn’t come without more struggles, like a totaled car. However, we would get there.
#2. Tennis Banquet and Bright Orange T-Shirts
The annual Tennis Banquet was a nice distraction and it reminded me that God always has a plan. I was grateful or this no cut team that gave Savana some great friends over the last 4 years. Also, for a coach that “got her” as she said. It gave me more peace knowing that as college looms I need to continue to put my child in His hands.
I keep holding on to that. Especially when the t-shirt came in the mail later that month. That big bold orange reminder that these times are precious and I need to find some peace and enjoy them.
#4. Older and Wiser Family- My cousin, who is more like a sister to me, and I spent some time in the cottage chatting and catching up. She is a gift. To know we have each other to lean on is a great feeling. Mostly because she has raised 5 children into adulthood. Her perspective is just what I needed. Then we went to see Ma, our grandma, who just turned 94 that day. She is in a wonderful assisted living home where she is treated like the queen she is! Realizing that she and I are almost exactly 50 years apart, made me smile about all the life I have ahead of me.
#5 Work. I love my work. I am so incredibly grateful that in the midst of all this chaos I can walk right outside to my little cottage and just breathe. This month was a little busier than most, with our 5th Annual Christmas at the Cottage. It was just what I needed. Here are just a few pictures from it.
It also gave me lots of bonding time with my good friend and fellow Autism Mom, Joanne. She created these great windows. Don’t you love them?
#6. The First Snow. It finally came and it was beautiful. It wasn’t the best timing, as it was smack dab in the middle of our event and caused some people to stay home. But that is okay too. Sofie spent the evening singing Christmas Karaoke with Joanne and running in and out between sips of hot chocolate. I am not going to lie. I could have used a little less of that “busy-ness”
#7. Sandals in the Snow- At the end of the night we were exhausted. Some of which came just from watching Sofie. Then,we opened up the door and we were met with this amazing view. It took my breath away and then I noticed that Sofie was in her snowpants and sandals! I was too tired to point it out. All I could do was laugh and take in her joy. As I grabbed my phone shaking my head and taking the picture I was thankful for the gift of stillness. It is rare in or outside our house. We are movers and shakers and often need this reminder. Any other time I would have yelled at her to get in the house and quite possibly have stolen her joy.
In Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.’
So, with that, I am trying to Be Still. I am putting my trust in God and His plan. It’s all I can do. That, and choose gratitude everyday. Now, that’s a plan I am praying I can follow. Would you like to join me? Outside of November? Just leave me a comment. I would LOVE to know what you are grateful for!
Until Next Time-
Be Blessed. Be Still.
Sarita
